What else can I say of Art Blakey that hasn’t already been said. By far, the most influential musician in the Hard Bop era. His “Jazz Messengers” ensembles were the largest contributions to the musical art form of Jazz. With each album he recorded, Blakey introduced new talent by showcasing them to the world. The exact number of musicians he directly affected will never be known, it seems that every great Jazz musician recorded with him some time in their career. Many people do not associate Jackie McLean with the Jazz Messengers but he recorded 5 other great albums (“Hard Bop”, “Originally”, “Drum Suite”, “Ritual” and “Tough!”) with them besides this one. The “Theory of Art“, another perfect example of Hard Bop Jazz, will be featured for a week or so, check the schedule link for play times, ENJOY!
About the Album:
Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers Plus Four: Art Blakey (drums); Sahib Shihab (alto saxophone); Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone); Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); Lee Morgan, Bill Hardman (trumpet); Melba Liston (trombone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Jimmy “Spanky” DeBrest (bass). This CD contains two unique sessions in the history of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Five numbers feature a sextet that includes both altoist Jackie McLean, who had recently left the band, and his replacement, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin along with trumpeter Bill Hardman; “A Night in Tunisia” best shows off this short-lived group. The remaining two numbers were unissued until this CD came out and feature Blakey heading a nonet that included future Messenger Lee Morgan, trombonist Melba Liston and Griffin. The music is consistently excellent……..Read More
